TANDAG, Surigao del Sur — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said that major infrastructure projects in Surigao del Sur are halfway to completion.
In his speech during the distribution of government assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in Tandag City, Marcos said the projects aim to improve the lives and ensure the welfare of Surigao del Sur residents.
“I am glad to inform you that some of the infrastructure projects are halfway finished,” Marcos said.
The President mentioned the Cabadbaran-Putting Bato-Lanuza Road, which is 44.7 percent finished, the East-West Lateral Road (61.09 percent), and the rehabilitation of the Tandag Airport.
The Cabadbaran-Putting Bato-Lanuza Road is a priority project of the Marcos administration aimed at reducing travel time between Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur from three hours to one hour and 15 minutes.
The East-West Lateral Road connecting Agusan del Sur to Bukidnon via Agusan-Malaybalay Road, on the other hand, includes road opening and upgrading, construction of two concrete bridges, and drainage and slope protection structure with road safety devices.
It is also expected to facilitate inter-regional linkages of Caraga and Northern Mindanao, and reduce cost of transporting agricultural products to trading centers.
Meanwhile, the improvement of the Tandag Airport is undertaken to ensure a more convenient travel experience for residents in the region.
The President was in Surigao del Sur on Thursday to lead the distribution of various aids to almost 12,000 El Niño-affected farmers, fisherfolks and their families.
He said over P60 million are to be distributed to Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur through the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Some P10,000 in cash assistance will be given to each of the 9,195 beneficiaries under the DSWD’s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita program and another P10,000 presidential assistance each to farmers, fisherfolk and selected families.
The Chief Executive added the DA will provide farm machinery, equipment, and credit assistance.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will distribute livelihood starter tool kits and training allowance to beneficiaries in Surigao del Sur while the Department of Labor and Employment, under the Integrated Livelihood Program Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers, and the Government Internship Program, shall provide financial assistance.
Meanwhile, Marcos urged residents in Surigao del Sur to prepare for the looming La Niña in October.
“Now we have to prepare for the rainy season which is expected to bring heavier rains in October,” he said.
The President, however, assured them that the government has prepared funds and food supply in times of calamity.
“Although we wish we could no longer experience calamity and disruption this time, I want you all to know that the government is ready in case we need fund and food supply in times of calamity,” he said.